An Efficient Pursuit? Independent Shopkeeping in 1930s Britain

During the 1930s, the small-scale retailer was regarded by manycommentators as being responsible for the apparent inefficienciesof the retail trade in Britain. Using a range of documentaryevidence from the period, this article draws attention to debateon the merits of large- and small-scale retailers, highlightinga concern for the latter’s contribution to wider communitywell-being and to developments in retail trade practices. Therelative inefficiency of the small trader was frequently explainedin relation to a lack of awareness of sound shop management.Consequently, emphasis was placed by commentators on the needfor small traders to enhance their knowledge of retail managementpractices in order to improve their own competitive positionand efficiency in the retail trade more widely. Both the popularand trade press offered small traders a range of advice thatwas intended to improve their fortunes. This article considersthe form and content of such advice.